Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard pool in Orange County with a hot tub and gravel.

This property has a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, which are unified by a natural planting scheme. Although the house is traditional, the client desired some contemporary elements, enabling us to introduce rusted steel fences and arbors, black granite for the barbeque counter, and black African slate for the main terrace. An existing brick retaining wall was saved and forms the backdrop for a long fountain with two stone water sources. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hot tub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden. Photos: Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

Natural Swimming Pool

Gary McDonald and Son Inc.

Gary McDonald
This is an example of a large beach style backyard custom-shaped natural pool in San Francisco with gravel.

backyard space

Selective Designs by Shane LeBlanc

LeBlanc Shane
Traditional rectangular pool in Other with gravel.

Troon Residence

Dillon Kyle Architects (DKA)

the design offers generous, flowing open spaces on the main level, which overlooks a small courtyard. The site’s woodland characteristics inspired the use of exterior stone. Accoya, a fast-growing softwood that is impervious to decay in the Houston humidity, was used for siding. The combination of the site strategy, program and aesthetic direction respond to the site’s challenges to create an elegant solution. Peter Molick Photography

Above Ground Pools

Ohio Pools & Spas

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard round aboveground pool in Cleveland with gravel.

California Pools

Andrea Calo

Inspiration for a traditional pool in Austin with gravel.

Custom Luxury Pool with Swim-Up Bar

Atlantis Luxury Pools

Inspiration for a large tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Other with a water feature and gravel.

Piscine nature

Diffazur Piscines Avignon

Diffazur Piscines
This is an example of a mid-sized beach style custom-shaped natural pool in Marseille with gravel.

Freeform pool with bridge in San Antonio

Keith Zars Pools

This beautiful swimming pool features a beach entry, a margarita table / swim up bar area for outdoor entertaining, a spa / hot tub with a layered stone spillover into the pool, and a wooden bridge to get from one side of the pool to the other.

Backyard Pond and Waterfall Projects in York PA - Splash Supply Co

Splash Supply Company Inc

Splash Supply Co
Large country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Baltimore with a water feature and gravel.

Morayfield Home Renovation

Dion Seminara Architecture

The conceptual background behind this project was to preserve the existing home with a compartmentalised layout which does not relate to modern daytime but works for bedroom and study spaces. The objective was to also create a separate pavilion for the open plan living, dining and kitchen space which could take full advantage of the exceptional good aspect on this side of the original home, as well as the landscaped external environment.

Brennan Traditions Windows - Southlake

Brennan Enterprises

Window replacement on a Southlake, TX home.
Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Dallas with a pool house and gravel.

Paskoski

Pool Tech of Miami

Jonah Gouin - Vizual Concepts
This is an example of a contemporary rectangular infinity pool in Miami with gravel.

Garten in Bad Kissingen

Droll & Lauenstein

Angelika Droll
Photo of a small country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Nuremberg with gravel.

California Pools

Andrea Calo

Design ideas for a traditional pool in Austin with gravel.

Schwimmteich

Garten- und Landschaftsbau Pohl GmbH

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with gravel.

Gallery 2

Custom Quality Pools, Inc

Design ideas for a mid-sized backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Boston with a hot tub and gravel.

Before and After: Troon Residence

Baldridge Landscape

This is an example of a contemporary backyard pool in Houston with a water feature and gravel.

Déambulation bucolique dans le Luberon

Agence MORVANT & MOINGEON Paysagistes Concepteurs

Photographe : Gabrielle Voinot
Design ideas for a large mediterranean backyard rectangular pool in Other with gravel.

Green Pool Design Ideas with Gravel

Swimming pools are heavenly during hot Australian and New Zealand summers and are the perfect way to cool down, relax, entertain friends and even get fit. A pool can also create visual interest, especially when you consider features like coloured pool tiles, lighting and landscaping. If you are short on space, you might still fit a lap pool, plunge pool or swim spa, all of which could be focal points in your small garden. As you plan your pool design, map out your space and determine what size, shape and style works best for you. Browse the photos on Houzz for design ideas for above ground pools, inground pools, as well as pool landscaping and novelty features like pool slides or water features. Then, save your favourite photos to an ideabook, and get in touch with the experts behind your favourite picks.

What type of pool should I install?

The dimensions of your backyard will determine the type of inground pools you can install. Take into account boundary restrictions and pool fencing compliance. Fibreglass versions are cheaper, and quicker to install; whereas concrete constructions are better suited to tricky sites and give you more freedom in design. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to commit to an inground pool, above ground pools are a more affordable alternative. If you only have a small backyard, a plunge pool is a great solution, and can easily run along a boundary wall or down the side of a house. This option is also low maintenance, can be heated for use in winter, and can do double duty as a swim spa. A long, narrow space, on the other hand, could fit a lap pool, whereas a water feature could fill an awkward space. If your backyard features a stunning vista, consider an infinity pool to accentuate the view.

What pool fencing options are available?

While the specifics vary from state to state, fencing is required of most pool designs. However, pool fencing doesn’t have to obscure your pool design. Glass fencing is increasingly popular for this reason exactly, and is available framed, frameless, semi-frameless and even in-ground. A cheaper alternative is aluminium or steel fencing, which, again, are available in a variety of styles: flat top, loop-top, double-top and wire-based.

What pool landscaping features should I consider?

To get the most out of your pool, design an area that offers multiple hangouts. Include a nearby barbecue, dining area, seating for lounging and outdoor shower. Having shaded areas will give you more reason to stay poolside longer, too. Timber decking and stone paving are popular choices for pool surrounds, and are also helpful in creating zones. Just imagine a raised timber platform with a daybed – a luxurious, resort-style addition to any pool design. Leafy trees and rocks will create a more natural-looking oasis, and will help provide more privacy for swimmers. Where you want your landscape to be the main focus, keep pool equipment and furnishings to a minimum.